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Pharmacists can help incorporate this care into their daily interactions with women of childbearing age. They are especially able to help women understand the potentials risks associated with medication use and assist them with various areas of preconception and prenatal care, including immunisations, folic acid use and management of chronic diseases. Supplements are an important intervention during pregnancy. Significant metabolic changes occur throughout pregnancy that are the result of both intense foetal growth as well as altered maternal physiology. Such changes necessitate adequate maternal intake of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, to both maintain maternal health and provide for adequate foetal growth and development. Deficiencies in nutritional intake during the gestational period have been associated with poor health outcomes for both the mother and developing foetus. As such, it is common practice to employ multivitamin supplementation during pregnancy, especially in those women who may not consume appropriate, healthy diets.

Cancer research is expensive. Many groups raise funds to help remove these financial barriers. Advocates can raise money for cancer research in many ways: • Plan or participate in fundraisers. This includes fundraising walks and runs. Donate money directly to a cancer group. Donate money through a workplace giving programme. Buy products from sources that donate a percentage of profit to cancer causes. • • THERE’S A FOCUS ON PREGNANCY AWARENESS IN THE WEEK 6 – 10 FEBRUARY Preconception care has become a very important avenue to help reduce poor pregnancy outcomes. This care is defined as personalised care for that is focused on reducing maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality; it focuses on steps taken now to protect the health of a baby in the future and consists of interventions aimed to minimise behavioural, social and health-related risk to a woman’s overall health and to improve outcomes for potential pregnancies. •

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES: Supporting individuals

Some cancer advocates guide current patients through the experience. Cancer survivors are especially helpful in this role. You can support those living with cancer by: • Visiting someone who recently received a cancer diagnosis. Listening and sharing personal stories. Coordinating or participating in support groups. Educating and raising awareness • • Cancer advocates raise awareness at local and national levels. Activities include: Educating the public about cancer. Expressing the importance of cancer screening and early detection. Speaking with community groups about important issues. Topics may include insurance access, disparities in care, or job discrimination. Communicating with media about cancer-related issues. Raising money for cancer research. • • • • • •

THE YOUNGER, THE HEALTHIER … The sky is the limit when it comes to developing creative ways to add wellness into a pharmacy. Incorporating simple strategies into your practice will help encourage patients to stay healthy, fill a need and differentiate your pharmacy from the competition.

There is a movement to have more focus on wellness, and preventative strategies. There have been numerous studies to show that the next generation, Generation Z, is more health conscious. A recent report conducted by the Nielsen Global Health and Wellness Survey offered surprising and detailed information about the culinary habits of young people. The most health-centric group of consumers is Generation Z. Four out of 10 people polled in this group indicated that they would be willing to spend more money for healthier products as opposed to 32% of millennials and 21% of baby boomers.

Although you may have a broad demographic in your pharmacy, everyone can benefit from a wellness-centric environment at the pharmacy. Creating a wellness environment will differentiate your pharmacy, and help increase patient rapport and retention: • Have reputable supplements available and be knowledgeable about supplements. Pharmacists should also counsel patients on prescriptions that may deplete certain vitamins. Create a healthy newsletter for your patients. Having an email list not only grows your patient base, it also encourages families to stay healthy. Create a newsletter with a theme for the month, and provide •

value with tips, recipes and featured supplements or products available in your pharmacy. Host healthy lifestyle sessions. Stress management, healthy eating on the go and how to prep meals are some easy topics to empower patients to adapt healthy behaviours. Patients may ask questions about your topic along with other questions related to your pharmacy. Ultimately, you can grow relationships through community events or talks, which increases patient retention. ■

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(Sources: www.pharmacytimes.com/ bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/ www. uspharmacist.com)

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The Script Pharmacy Magazine